Keeping Kids Safe

The Diocese of Victoria requires that all staff members, volunteers, coaches, room mothers, and field trip attendees over the age of 18 years who serve children in any capacity at school or a school sponsored event meet the safe environment requirements. The Diocese of Victoria Safe Environment Process includes a Code of Pastoral Conduct Session, a Keeping Kids/Vulnerable Adults SAFE Session, and registration on line on the Diocese of Victoria website which initiates a criminal history check. All of these requirements must be completed and cleared by the site administrator for St Philip the Apostle parish before anyone can participate in school functions. Additional information and dates of training sessions may be obtained from the school office or on the St Philip School website link to the Diocese of Victoria. St Philip School abides by the Child Abuse Prevention, Adoption, and Family Services Act. This law mandates that all cases of suspected child abuse and/or neglect be reported to Child Protective Services.

Child and Vulnerable Adult Abuse

Reporting Procedures

If you witness, suspect, or know of child and/or vulnerable adult abuse, YOU MUST FILE A REPORT WITHIN 48 HOURS!

Contact Civil Authorities: Department of Family and Protective Services1-800-252-5400 or www.txabusehotline.orgIf the person is in immediate danger, call 911.

If Church Personnel Is InvolvedIn Alleged Abuse:Step One— Contact Civil Authorities.Step Two— Contact one of the following: Coordinator of Pastoral Care and Outreach, Vicki L. Pyatt, LMSW, at (361) 827-7186 or email pastoralcare@victoriadiocese.org; Bishop or Chancellor of the Diocese of Victoria at (361) 573-0828; and Written Allegations Should Be Sent To:

We will also help you bring your concerns to church officials outside the diocese if the abuse occurred elsewhere and you now reside in the Diocese of Victoria. If you are unsure about bringing a complaint or would like further information, please contact Vicki L. Pyatt.

St. Philip Catholic Church and School Safe Environment Coordinator is Mrs. Susan Schmidt. She may be contacted by phone at 979-543-3770 or email at apostle@stphilipapostle.org